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Course Catalog

Business Courses
  • Credits: 1.00

    The course reviews examples of different internal issues, external issues, and environmental conditions and how you can adapt to each of them.

  • In this course, you will learn the core skills that will help you use your resources efficiently, manage your time wisely, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others skillfully.

  • Credits: 1.00

    This course in an introduction to bookkeeping. You will learn common terminology before you are introduced to cash and accruals, journal and ledgers, and auditing.

  • Credits: 1.00

    The ability to interpret body language is a skill that will enhance anyone’s career. Body language is a form of communication, and it needs to be practiced like any other form of communication.

  • The goal of this course is to give the participant a basic understanding of budgets and financial reports so they can hold relevant discussions and render decisions based on financial data. This course will define key terms like ROI, EBIT, GAAP, and extrapolation.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Business acumen is loosely defined as the ability to assess an external market and make effective decisions. This course will provide what is necessary to navigate and create a successful business seems innate for certain people.

  • Credits: 1.00

    A company’s ethics will determine its reputation. Good business ethics are essential for the long-term success of an organization. Implementing an ethical program will foster a successful company culture and increase profitability. This course reviews what business ethics are and how to successfully run an ethical business.

  • Welcome to the Business Succession Planning course. The loss of valuable leadership can cripple a company. Business succession planning is essentially preparing successors to take on vital leadership roles when the need arises.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Change is a constant in many of our lives. All around us, technologies, processes, people, ideas, and methods often change, affecting the way we perform daily tasks and live our lives. This course will give any leader tools to implement changes more smoothly and to have those changes better accepted.

  • This coure focuses on how to better coach your employees to a higher performance. Coaching is a process of relationship building and setting goals. How well you coach relates directly to how well you are able to foster a great working relationship with your employees through understanding them and strategic goal setting.

  • Credits: 1.00

    One cannot survive in a business or work setting without being able to communicate. Communication has many definitions but in essence, it is defined as the act of exchanging thoughts, messages, or information. This course reviews different types of communication that a tile setter will see on the job.

  • For the better part of every day, we are communicating to and with others. Whether it’s the speech you deliver in the boardroom, the level of attention you give your spouse when they are talking to you, or the look that you give to the cat, it all means something. This coure will help participants understand the different methods of communication and how to make the most of each of them.

  • Any great boss will tell you that employee reviews are a cornerstone for having happy and productive employees.  Employees need to know what their strengths and weaknesses are.  Once an employee understands their performance, you and the employee can take steps to improve their weaknesses.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Wherever two or more people come together, there is the possibility of conflict. This course will give participants a six-step process that they can use to modify and resolve conflicts of any size.

  • Managing the cost and maximizing production while working on a project is very important.  In this course you will learn the basics of cost and production.

  • In business, decisions always result in monetary consequences.  This course reviews different decisions that you may have to make on a job.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Each and every one of us serves customers, whether we realize it or not. Maybe you’re on the frontlines of a company, serving the people who buy your products. Or maybe you’re a company owner, serving your staff and your customers. This course will look at all types of customers and how we can serve them better and improve ourselves in the process.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Employee Motivation is becoming ever more important in the workplace as time goes on, and everyone agrees that a motivated workforce is far more likely to be a successful workforce. The happier and more professional an employee is, the better the results they will deliver for you. Of course, every employer wants to make sure that they have a workforce who will do their best.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Employee onboarding is essential to retaining top talent. An onboarding program does more than help orient new employees. It shapes how new employees relate to their organization. Implementing an employee onboarding program will shape the company culture while developing a highly qualified pool of talent.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Your employees are a vital part of determining the success of your business. Finding the best employees for each position requires strong recruitment strategies. Top talent will not always find you. You must seek out people to fill the positions that you have open. Recruiting the most qualified candidates will ensure that your employees keep your company running smoothly.

  • Having to fire an employee is never an easy task.  Sometimes, despite attempts of open communication and encouraging performance, an employee will need to be terminated from the company.  One of the hardest aspects of preparing to fire an employee is to separate the emotions from the facts.  Firing an employee should always be a last resort, so it is important that the manager has covered all other avenues possible before moving forward.

  • Hiring process contractors should consider using

  • Credits: 1.00

    The workplace can present challenges to management in terms of handling the different generations present.  As older workers delay retiring and younger workers are entering the workforce, the work environment has become a patchwork of varying perspectives and experiences, all valuable to say the least. In this course, you will learn about challenges of different age groups working together.

  • At first glance, handling a difficult customer may seem like a thankless job. Fortunately, you can develop skills to adapt to the challenges difficult customers pose and extend these skills to handling difficult people and situations throughout your daily life.

  • Health and wellness are important aspects in anyone’s life. Having employees who are happy and healthy is important in a company. Employees who are happy are more productive, and stay employed longer, with the company. Having a health and wellness program to help those employees stay healthy helps you as an employer, and the employee.

  • The term “high performamce teams” has become a frequently used buzzword. It is easy to talk about high performance teams, but what are they, how are they formed, and what benefits do they provide? The material in this guide will help you find the answer to these questions and develop your own high performance teams.  

  • Credits: 1.00

    By learning how to utilize the information we have to find the best candidates and reviewing not only the job requirements, but the candidate’s attributes, you can hire the best people for your company.

  • As companies modify priorities and operations, human resources functions can move from a dedicated HR role, to that of the manager. Whether the majority of those important functions stays within HR at your organization, or is your responsibility as a manager, it is important that managers understand how much of their role is really about their people, as well as aspects of legislation, policy, and procedures that involve human resourcing issues.

  • Credits: 1.00

    The internet has forever changed the way the people shop and conduct business. Even experienced marketing professionals need help navigating the pitfalls of internet marketing.

  • Credits: 1.00

    We’ve all met that dynamic, charismatic person that just has a way with others, and has a way of being remembered. This course will help participants work towards being that unforgettable person by providing communication skills, negotiation techniques, tips on making an impact, and advice on networking and starting conversations.

  • Credits: 1.00

    As a manager, owner, or someone training a new hire, you need to understand that not everyone learns the same or are influenced the same way.  This course will review life coaching and how to utilize it day to day with those that report to you.

  • Credits: 1.00

    This is an introductory course to marketing your company. Sometimes marketing is confused with the simple act of selling or increasing sales. But, marketing is the channel companies take to grab the customers’ attention and bring them to make a purchase.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Taking time to customize the onboarding process for millennial employees helps promote employee retention and ensures that millennials are properly socialized into the workplace. Customizing the onboarding process for millennial employees benefits both the employee and the workplace.

  • Credits: 1.00

    This coure will give participants an understanding of the phases of negotiation, tools to use during a negotiation, and ways to build win-win solutions for all those involved.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Good organizational skills can prove beneficial in many areas of life, including personal and business areas. Organization can increase a person’s general productivity, project management, and can even affect his memory and retention skills. This course reviews basics of organizational skills.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Many young people have not been taught how to manage their money or to cover expenses before paying for other things.  This course teaches basics of personal finance that can be used by anyone.

  • Risk assessment and management is essential for the success of any business. However, many companies do not always take the necessary precautions, which leads to disaster. Successfully managing risks will prevent mistakes, which leads to a safer work environment, happier employees, and increased productivity. Following a few basic steps will place your organization on the path to success.

  • The tile industry has a lot of specific items that relate to safety but in this course, we will review general safety practices that everyone should also be concerned about and implement in their daily work.  Workplace safety, however, is the responsibility of everyone in an organization. Companies have legal obligations to meet certain safety requirements, but many go further than the minimum obligations.

  • Shower pans are a common area for failures.  This course shows different methods to correctly install a shower pan.

  • How many times a day do you check Facebook or Instagram?  Now think about your employees.  Companies should examine how this media is affecting them and how they can implement ways to move forward with technology without letting it interfere with productivity. This course review how social media effects the work of your employees.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Positive and negative stress is a constant influence on all of our lives. The trick is to maximize the positive stress and to minimize the negative stress. This course will give participants a three-option method for addressing any stressful situation, as well as a toolbox of personal skills, including using routines, relaxation techniques, and a stress log system.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Many small business owners and tile setters don't have experience managing people.  This course reviews how to manage people while managing projects, their own workloadm, and overall become more efficient.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Time management is needed to finish projects on time.  This course begins with setting goals. These goals are recorded and may be broken down into a project, an action plan, or a simple task list. Activities are then rated based on urgency and importance, priorities assigned, and deadlines set.

  • Credits: 1.00

    While in the tile trade, many women are not a part of the installation side of the business.  Women are detail oriented and bring a different perspective.  This course reviews the benefits of women in leadership roles.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Everyone deals with finding the right balance between work and life.  This course reviews how to find that right balance.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Unless you work by yourself and never see anyone on your jobsites, you will work with someone that is different from you.  This course reviews workplace diversity and what it means to you.

  • Credits: 1.00

    At times workplace harassment may be subtle and you may not realize it is happening to you or around you.  This course will review different types of workplace harassment.

  • Credits: 1.00

    More and more we hear about violence at the workplace.  Often this is caused by workplace harssassment.  This course will review why workplace violence occurs and how it can be prevented.

Sales Courses
  • Sales can be a tough job, and it can be hard to keep your sales team motivated to pursue leads and close deals day after day. Developing a solid set of strategies for motivating your sales team will not only increase your bottom line, but will increase team member satisfaction and retention.

Tile Installation Courses
  • Credits: 1.00

    This course reviews the need to visually assess tile prior to installing it.

  • Credits: 1.00

    This is an introduction to backer boards including the different types and where they are used.

  • Introductary course on the types of backer boards and differences of each that have standards and are approved for use in tile installations.

  • Each and every project has its own level of barrier and risks.  This course walks you through how to identify barrier and risks.

  • Credits: 1.00

    In a previous course, we introduced you to primers.  In this course, we will review of bonding primer uses and limitations.

  • Once the installation is complete and turned over to the customer, implementing a proper maintenance program for each particular application is critical to insuring its beauty, long-term function and performance.   This course reviews proper cleaning agents to be used and when.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Introduction to construction safety using OSHA videos

  • Confrontation management is an important part of a tile contracting business. It can have many adverse effects such as lost production, poor culture, and the potential loss of a good employee.

  • This is an introductory course to crack isolation membranes.

  • This course expands on what was learned in crack isolation 101.

  • Credits: 1.00

    As you gain more skills and tasks, you may be asked to lead a team of less experienced grouters.  This course reviews considerations you should make in the role.

  • Introduction to cutting tools that will be used on the job.

  • Now that you have learned about what each cutting does, this course will go into further details about how they are used.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Previously you learned about tools used in demolition.  In this couse, the learner will understand the demolition process including what to do prior to demolition and how to demo floors and walls.

  • In any remodel, you will need to do some demolition including removing old tile.  This course reviews the demolition equipment that you could use in remodels.

  • Assuming that you are a part of a US DOL registered apprenticeship program, this course will give an overview of what it means.

  • Basic differences between W2 and 1099 classifications are discussed

  • Introduction to electric tools that you will use on the job.

  • This course reviews elevation equipment that you could use on the job.

  • This course will review what sealers do and do not do, gain knowledge about the different types of enhancers and natural look impregnator sealers, an you will know how to use these products and the variables to consider when using them.

  • In this course, we will discuss: how environmental conditions affect the proper selection of installation methods and products.· Best practices for each stage of a project related to environmental conditions· Controlling the environment during the installation and key safety topics.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Introduction to epoxy grout and the application process

  • Do you have difficulty properly estimating a small project?  This course walks the contractor through what to do when you first arrive and meet the homeowner to submitting a bid to the homeowner and identifying next steps once the homeowner has accepted your bid.

  • It is the tile professional’s goal to mold and transform the ideas into long-lasting tile or stone installations. In addition to the client’s expectation, there are expectations within the project team such what a journeymen tile setter expects from the apprentice. This course will cover managing the client’s and our own expectations while assuring the job meets it with quality control implementation.

  • Review various ways that tile installations fail

  • Credits: 1.00

    Introduction to glass tile

  • Grinding tools are essential to most tile installations.  This course will review the grinding tools that you could see and use.

  • Before leaving the project, make sure that grout has been removed from all surfaces and would be acceptable to the end user.  This course reviews steps you should take to proper finish your grout work before leaving the job.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Even though you have watched an intro to grout course, here is a video created for NTCA by TEC to further explain grouts.

  • This course reviews common problems associated with grout and how to remedy them.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Now that you have completed all of the grout courses, take this quiz to determine how well you have learned the infomration.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Depending on the size of the company that you work for, it is possible to have a full team grouting behind the tile setters.  If you find yourself in charge of this group this course will identify different considerations that you need to make when managing the group.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Introduction to hand tools that you will be using on the job.

  • In the introductory course, you learned the basics of hand tools you'll use on the job. This course goes into more detail about these tools.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Introduction to helping the setter on the job.

  • We have already discussed how to use snap cutters, wet saws, and angle grinders in previous courses so today we are going to look at different measuring methods, different cuts that you may be required to make, and other potential issues that you should be consider when cutting the tile.

  • This course introduces the learner to math skills needed to assist tile setter.

  • In this course, you will learn: proper troweling techniques, coverage, and proper methods for tile installations.

  • This course introduces the learner to the different trowels that you could be using while helping the setter.

  • Introduction to high performance cement grout and the application process

  • Credits: 1.00

    Overview of the history of tile.

  • This course walks you through different ways to find methods in the TCNA Handbook.

  • This is an introductory course the the type of information that can be found in ANSI A108.01.

  • This is an introductory course to the information that can be found in ANSI A108.02.

  • Introduction to bonding materials and where they are used

  • Just before you leave a project, you may need to do a final cleaning or seal the surface.  This course introduces you to the products that are used and when.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Introduction to different types of grout

  • Introduction to materials used to prep surfaces

  • This course in an introduction to primers including where and why they are used.

  • This course is an overall introduction to all methods and standards organizations recognized by the industry.

  • This course in an introduction to trims and profiles including where, when, and why they are used.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Tile standards and installation of large format tile

  • Credits: 1.00

    This is a brief introduction of various markets that use tile and where it is installed.

  • Credits: 1.00

    This course reviews all types of membranes, the differences between them and when they are used.

  • This course will review the various drills, paddles, and hand tools that can be used to mix materials.

  • Credits: 1.00

    This course reviews what mock-up are, why mock-ups should be used and best practices when constructing them.

  • Introduction to sources of moisture in concrete and testing

  • When directly adhering tile to concrete, there is always a concern about moisture in the concrete.  This course will review ways to control moisture in concrete.

  • This is an introduction to mortar beds and admixtures.

  • Understand when, why, where movement joints are installed

  • Introduction to power grouters and when they are used

  • Introduction to the tile trade

  • This course introduces the learner to products that can be used to patch concrete and how they are used.

  • Wood substrates may not meet industry standards when installed, this course will review the types of material that can be used to patch wood and how they are installed.

  • This course will review surface prep and installation techniques of mortar bed

  • Mortar beds are being installed in a wide variety of applications all over the world. We have covered the basic applications such as regular floors and walls in previous courses so now we will explore more complex uses for them.

  • This course will review power tools that you will see and use on the job.

  • This course explains the benefits of using a pre-installation check list and the best procedures to use when creating your list. 

  • As a tile setter you may work on your own or with a team.  Each brings different responsibilities.  This course will review responsibilities when working alone or leading a team on a project.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Introduction to ready to use grout and how it is installed.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Introduction to ANSI standards, the TCNA Handbook, and the NTCA Reference Manual. These books are the backbone for the tile industry methods and standards.

  • Introduction to terrazzo, restoration, care and maintenance

  • This course is focused on telescoping booms, forklifts, and scaffolding. You will learn: what OSHA considers a competent person, skills, confidence, and training required to operate lifts or install scaffold and how to efficiently plan your project.

  • Credits: 1.00

    At this point in your career it is time for you to start to become the competent person and take a role in managing safety and promoting a positive safety culture within your company.

  • Introduction to personal protection equipment or PPE

  • Introduction to reporting accidents, lifting techniques, fall protection, ladders, vehicle safety

  • Introduction to toolbox talks, safety boxes, fire extinguishers, eye wash, and annual training

  • Credits: 1.00

    We have reviewed a lot of courses specific to safety when installing tile.  This course reviews information that was explained in those courses.

  • Credits: 1.00

    This is an introductory course to sealants or the products used to allow movement in your finished tile assembly.

  • This course introduces the learner to SLU over concrete and how it is used.

  • This is an introductory course to SLU over wood substrates and how it is installed.

  • In this course, we will discuss: placement and types of joints, types of approved sealants, and installation and best practices.

  • This course reviews what makes a membrane a sound reduction membrane, how the membranes are tested, and code requirements for sound and impact resistance.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Specifications include products and installation methods that should be used for the specific project.  This course in an introduction to specifications.

  • Credits: 1.00

    The basics of specifications were learned in Specifications 101.  This course looks more into how specs are used in the bid process.

  • Introduction to cement based grout and the installation process

  • So many more factors must be considered when tile is installed on the exterior of a building.  This course reviews the planning and installation techniques for exterior tile installations

  • Before the tile installation begins, the concrete needs to be prepped for the installation.  This could include checking for flatness or making sure the surface in bondable.  This course will review the requirements for concrete before the tile installation begins.

  • Before the tile installation begins, the wood needs to be prepped for the installation.  This could include checking for flatness or making sure the surface in bondable.  This course will review the requirements for wood before the tile installation begins.

  • In this course we will discuss:  the definition of and requirements for surface preparation, FF and FL numbers and how they relate to the tile industry, how floor flatness affects a tile installation, and the difference between flatness, level and plumb.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Bondable surfaces are required for a successful tile installation.  This course reviews bond breakers, how to check for them, and how to review them.

  • In this course, we will discuss what it means to be a surface profile operator and the potential tasks and responsibilities of the surface profile operator.

  • In this course, we will look specifically at the section titled “Using the TCNA Handbook for Specification Writing”.

  • This is an AIA approved course on constructing a shower based on an industry certification.

  • Managing water in wet areas so that it flows down the drain and not into unprotected areas

  • This course review the job requirements of a new tile setter, the required tools, required physical abilities and the difference between laying tile and being a tile setter.

  • Intro to safety concerns for any tile installer or finisher

  • This course teaches you the basics of time and schedule management. In this course you will learn: effective planning will reduce the time spent on the job, the importance of executing the plan while on the job and meeting completion milestones, and the importance and real value of meeting the clients schedule.

  • Credits: 1.00

    In this course, we will cover the main types of tiles, the common manufacturing processes used, and what a tile setter needs to understand about tiles to install them correctly.

  • This course introduces the learner to underlayment mats, how they are different from other membranes, and how they are installed.

  • Credits: 1.00

    This course introduces the learner to what underlayments are, and why they are used.

  • Credits: 1.00

    In a previous course you learned the basic about what underlayments are and when they are used.  In this course you will learn:service ratings and environmental classifications, natural stone and ceramic tile installation differences, and differences in TCNA methods including framing requirements

  • Credits: 1.00

    Vapor barriers limit the flow of moisture and vapor through them.  This course reviews products that are considered vapor barriers, how they are tested, and where they are used.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Every company will utilize warehouses differently.  Some may be in someone's garage, others could be attached to the contractors business and others may use their distributor.  This course reviews different warehouses and how each could be used.

  • Introduction to waterproof membranes

  • In the 101 course you learned the basics of different types of waterproof membranes.   This course expands on what you have already learned and reviews different types of waterproof membranes and installation techniques

  • This course dives further into applications using waterproof membranes.  It takes a look at the differences between using waterproof membranes in regular showers versus steam showers.

  • Becoming a skilled craftsman does not happen overnight, it can take a lifetime to learn and master. Today you will learn the basic skills and traits required for a tile setter.

  • Introduction to a typical workday for a new apprentice, helper or hire.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Now that you have finished several courses over your first year of employment, let's take a quick review of what you have viewed and quiz you on what you have learned.

Toolbox Talks Courses
  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on boot safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on a drug free workplace.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on extension cord safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

     

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on eye safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

     

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on fire hazards.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on first aid.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

     

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on floor openings safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on fork lift safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

     

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on hand safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

     

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on hard hat safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

     

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on hearing safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on heat exposure safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on housekeeping safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on Knee safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on ladder safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on lifing safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on power tool safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on reporting accidents.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on scaffold safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on shoulder safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on skin safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

  • Credits: 1.00

    Toolbox talk on tool safety.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.

  • Toolbox talk on workplace violence.  Documents include employee handout, instructor handout, and attendance sign in sheet.